A breakout year has taught Jack Wighton how to handle the pressure, nerves and expectation of rugby league's biggest stages.
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It made addressing speculation about his Canberra Raiders contract and long-term future easy to brush aside.
It made bouncing back from grand final heartbreak a breeze, even though the pain of that night three weeks ago still burns.
But being told he was making his international debut in a position he hasn't played in for six years?
"That's were the nerves came from," Wighton grins on the eve of another milestone moment.
"I haven't been on the right side for many years, maybe since 2013 next to [Blake Ferguson].
"I don't remember much at all about it. But I'm feeling comfortable, I guess I'll just have to let my actions do the talking."
Wighton will continue his remarkable turnaround when he plays for Australia against New Zealand in Wollongong on Friday night.
Raiders teammate Josh Papalii has been cleared to play despite suffering a rib injury this week, and Nick Cotric will partner Wighton on the right edge for the Test.
Wighton has used an "enjoy every day" attitude this year to get his career back on track, putting the drama of 12 months ago behind him to go on to play State of Origin and help the Raiders into their first grand final in 25 years.
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But with success comes intense attention. He is contracted to the Raiders for the 2020 season, but has rejected an extension option for 2021 and it sparked fears he would leave the club.
His manager says 12 clubs have contacted him about Wighton's services, although Wighton made moves this week to reaffirm his love of the capital.
So with all of that behind him, he says it has been easy to focus on making the most of his Kangaroos opportunity.
Australian coach and Raiders legend Mal Meninga called Wighton the day after Canberra's grand final heartbreak to tell him he had been picked in his first national squad.
It was the logical step for Wighton, who will tick every representative box in Australian rugby league when he runs on to the field on Friday.
The 26-year-old has played for NSW, the Country Origin side, the Indigenous All Stars and the Prime Minister's XIII in the eight seasons since making his NRL debut.
"I've tried to 'live in the now' this year to enjoy every day. I haven't looked too far ahead ... I'll enjoy the build up and enjoy the game," Wighton said.
"My mind's at peace now, I'm ready to go. The second I found out I was in the squad I was already buzzing, and that was the day after the grand final.
"It's easy to get up for something like this. I'm very grateful I've got this opportunity."
Cotric and Wighton are two of the five Australian rookies, while Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will make his New Zealand debut.
Papalii got through training today and has been declared fit for his first Test in three years.
"He's a relentless front-rower who's never going to stop going forward both with his defence and his attack," said vice captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
"He's not the sort of person to take a backwards step to anyone and at this level that's certainly something you want in your front-rowers."